Simple Steps To Healthier Eating
When you first step into the world of homesteading, one of the first things you start to think about is food—real food. But how do you move away from processed, convenience-based eating without breaking the bank or losing your sanity? Let’s dive into some simple, sustainable steps to healthier eating that actually work.
Key Points:
Start Small & Keep It Sustainable: The goal isn’t to overhaul your entire pantry overnight—that’s overwhelming and often unsustainable. Instead, focus on small, manageable changes that can build over time. Here are four key areas to consider:
Meal Planning is Your Best Friend: One of the easiest ways to cut back on processed foods is to plan ahead. Knowing what you’re going to eat for the next 5-10 days helps you shop smarter, avoid impulse purchases, and keep wholesome ingredients on hand. It also reduces stress when mealtime rolls around.
Make Freezer Meals: If your budget allows, consider doubling a recipe when you cook and freezing half for later. For large families, even doing this once a week can be a game-changer. When life gets busy, having a homemade meal ready to go keeps you from defaulting to takeout or processed foods.
Eat with the Seasons: Eating seasonally isn’t just great for nutrition—it’s budget-friendly, too. Using what’s coming out of your garden (or available at local markets) means fresher, more flavorful meals. In the winter, rely on your pantry and preserved goods to keep meals nutrient-dense.
Everything in Moderation: Not all processed foods are inherently evil, but consuming them in excess can lead to issues. Rather than banning certain foods altogether, focus on reducing your intake gradually and replacing them with homemade or less processed alternatives.
What to Cut Back on First: If you’re wondering where to start, pick just one area to focus on. Here are a few of the biggest culprits in modern diets:
Sugar: The average American consumes around 100 pounds of sugar per year! Cutting back on soda and processed snacks can make a huge impact.
Preservatives: Many processed foods contain preservatives to extend shelf life, but overconsumption has been linked to health concerns like obesity and heart disease. Cooking from scratch eliminates these additives.
Artificial Dyes: While most food dyes have been deemed safe in small quantities, some (like Red 40) are linked to hyperactivity in children. Checking labels and opting for natural alternatives can be a simple switch.
Resources:
If you want to dive deeper, here are some helpful links:
- https://www.livestrong.com for research on food preservatives
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Making small, intentional changes can lead to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family, without the stress of an all-or-nothing approach. Let’s keep learning and growing together!
You don’t have to change everything overnight! Download my free Step Out Workbook to identify where to start and take that first step toward healthier living: www.simplylivinghomestead.com/StepOutWorkbook.
Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send me an email at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com I’d love to hear your thoughts and help you on your journey!
